Improvement in mail-bag fastenings



H. M. SMITH.

MAIL-BAG FASTENING.

Patented Nov.23,1875.

iNVENTOR'.

WITNESSES:

N-FETERS. PHOTO-LITNOGRAPHER, WASKINGYON. D. C.

same, and Fig. 3 is a sectional view UNITED STATES HORATIO M. SMITEI,.OFCHICAGO, ILLILNOIS,ASSIGNOROF TWOrTHIRDS PATE T OFFI E.

RIGHT TO MOSES W. LESTER AN D FRANKLIN LESTER, OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN MAIL-BAG FASTENINGS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 170, 195, datedNovember 23, 1875 {application file October 25, 1875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HORATIO M. SMITH, of Chicago, in the county of Cookand State of Illinois, have invented certain Improvements in Mail-BagFastenings, of which the following is a specification: I

The nature and object of my invention will be understood from thefollowing specification, and the accompanying drawing, which forms apart of the same.

In the drawing, Figure 1 is a side view of a mail-bag, provided withthis improved fastening. Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of the on the linea: w of Fig. 1.

Like letters of reference made use of in the several figures indicatethe same parts wherever used.

To the mouth of the mail'bag A I apply flexible continuous welts B B,which I prefer to construct of the material of the bag by hemming thesame over a piece or pieces of leather, cord, or other flexible filling,C. These welts, one at each side of the mouth, form, when the sides ofthe mouth are brought together, a shoulder at each side. Aflexiblyconnected series of clasps, D, are slipped upon the enlargementor double welt, and, encircling the welts, and extending under theshoulders at each side, serve to hold the mouth closed.

One corner of the mouth is rounded down, as shown at E, and theenlargement or welt is continued around this corner and down the side ofthe bag to form a runway or guide, B, along which the flexible series ofclasps may be pushed when the mouth of the bag is to be opened.

To aft'ord'a means of locking the bag when the mouth is closed by theclasps it is sufficient if 'one of the clasps is pierced with a hole, d,through which and through the underlying portion of the bag, which ispierced for that purpose, a padlock may be passed, serving to preventthe removal of the clasps, and, consequently, the opening of the bag.

The flexible bearing or welt being smooth and continuous, entirelyWithout joints, no

detached for repair.

sessin g sufficient strength and this peculiarity.

Or it will be sufficient if the material be such that it cannot be bentand disengaged, and afterward reformed to its original shape andposition, the object being to afford a means of detecting whether thebag has been opened or not by unauthorized persons.

The flexible connection of the series of clasps D consists, in theinstance illustrated in the drawing, of a leather strap, G, which,passing between the clasps and the bag,-is riveted to the clasps, andperforms the triple office of a weather-guard to the opening, a stay toprevent the clasps from being crowded together, and a means for slidingall of the series oft together.

The mail-bag provided with this fastening cannot be opened, when locked,without trace being left of the fact. It is fastened and. un-' fastenedwith great rapidity, the closing and opening, aside from theapplicationor removal of the padlock, requiring but a single movement.

The fastening appliances arealways ready and form part of the bag, butmay be readily The flexibility of the bag is not interfered with.

The whole contrivance is exceedingly simple and cheap, costing no more,if as much, as the common strap and staples, while it is much moredurable and effective.

Having thus fully described the construction and operation of myinvention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- I 1.The mail-bag, provided with a flexible continuous welt or enlargement atboth sides clasps D, whereby the clasps may he slipped of the mouth, anda guide or runway at readily down the'side of the bag, substanone sideof the; bag, in combination with tially as specified.

the series of clasps D, substantially as speci- HORATIO M. SMITH. fied.Witnesses 2. The rounded corner E,' upon a mail-bag, FORD B. SMITH,provided with the welts B B and series of EDW. S. EVARTS.

